It’s a bet that seemed risky for Microsoft. In the midst of discontent over the rise in Xbox Game Pass prices, many subscribers have considered canceling their subscription. However, only one game seems to have reversed the trend this month: The Outer Worlds 2the latest production from Obsidian Entertainment, available at no additional cost since October.
With its biting science fiction universe, its scathing humor and its well-oiled narrative choice mechanics, the sequel to the cult 2019 RPG is already establishing itself as a must-have. Several voices on social networks hail a rare success for an RPG, some even going so far as to write: “The Outer Worlds 2 is this generation’s Fallout 4.”
The return of the choice RPG that hits the mark
This second opus does not simply reproduce the formula of the first episode. He raises him. Critics and players alike highlight the quality of the writing, the richness of the world and the general level of finish. In his review, James Lynch mentions “an immersive experience, deliciously fun and full of little moments that should allow it to reach a wide audience.”
Graphically too, the game marks a turning point. While Fallout 4 had been regularly singled out for its dated textures, one Reddit user notes that “the presentation really makes the difference” In The Outer Worlds 2particularly in terms of lighting effects and environmental design. The atmosphere is more refined, the characters more expressive, and the dialogue choices offer a more nuanced range of consequences.
A rare opportunity to play without spending 60 pounds
What also contributes to the enthusiasm around the game is its accessibility. Priced at £60 to purchase, The Outer Worlds 2 is available at no additional cost to all Xbox Game Pass subscribers. A godsend, especially in a context where many question the value of the service. In fact, several subscribers had announced that they wanted to opt out of the price increase announced by Microsoft at the beginning of November.
But the release of the RPG seems to have tipped the scales. On r/XboxGamePass, the testimonies are multiplying: “Nothing like it has come out since and nothing has matched that feeling!” or even “I feel like The Outer Worlds 2 is the only game that has managed to recreate that magic, that warmth, that goodness, that immersion, and that depth.”
Ultimately, even if Xbox Game Pass is going through a zone of turbulence, the arrival of The Outer Worlds 2 offers a welcome breath of fresh air. One user sums up the general state of mind: “Whatever Obsidian decides to do next, they should consider this release a complete success, with all the important choices that were necessary.”